Lesson: Your Fitness Mission Statement

Take the first steps to fitness independence by creating a mission statement.

Why a mission statement?

A mission statement is a clear, simple statement of intent.

It's what you want to do. What you want to live. What will guide your food, fitness, and wellness choices. Every day.

With that self-declared statement, you're not following some external "rules" made by someone else.

Instead, you're making yourself accountable to you and your body. You're the boss, and you have to report to you.

One step at a time

Take your time.

This process can take you an hour, a day, two weeks, or your whole life.

So don't rush it. Don't feel you have to "get it" all at once.

Be open to change.

A mission statement isn't forever. You can always change your mind as you change, and as your life changes.

Just give the questions some thought.

Play the self-discovery game at your own pace.

That's all.

How do I make a fitness mission statement?

Step 1: Start getting curious about yourself.

Ask yourself some questions.

Such as:

• Who am I? (And who have I become?)

• Who do I want to be? Why?

• What do I stand for? Why?

• What is meaningful and important to me?

• Where do I want to go? What fitness, nutrition, and/or health behaviours will get me there?

• How will I know if I'm making progress?

• What do I truly enjoy?

• If I had total control of my own health, fitness, and/or nutrition path, what would that look like?

Writing the answers to these questions on Post-it notes or a whiteboard can help you think it through.

If you like, ask someone you know what they think you stand for or want. That's often a fascinating conversation.

Step 2: Look for the themes that re-appear.

If you consider all your answers together, what are some of the common ideas that start to emerge?

For instance:

• Being a parent is important to me.

• My job is important to me.

• Helping other people is important to me.

• I want to excel. I want to be the best.

• I like winning.

• I like learning.

• I like having fun.

Step 3: See if you can capture the essence.

Try to capture the who, what, why, where, and how in a few simple, very clear sentences that relate to your health, fitness, and nutrition.

I am a mother, wife, and doctor. I care for other people, and help them heal. Choosing to keep my body healthy—and sharing my knowledge and experience with others—ensures that I live my values, foster integrity, and serve as an example to my family and clients.

I am dedicated to living my life creatively and joyfully, and to learning new things. I eat well, and mindfully, because it feels good. I will choose activities that are fun and teach me skills. I will try at least one new sport or activity every six months.

I'm driven to be the best. I never met a challenge I didn't chew up. My nutrition and training fuels my pursuit of excellence.

This statement should somehow give you an idea of who you are, what your health, nutrition, and/or fitness means to you, and how you could live those ideals in your daily life.

Don't worry if you can't get this all at once. Practice getting started.